A TEENAGER who was crowned Miss North Yorkshire in June has been selected to travel to South Korea and China next month to represent England at the 28th World Miss University competition.

Emily Austin, 19, from Northallerton, is taking time out of her A-Level studies for the trip, which will see her spending two weeks in South Korea and two weeks in China, taking part in volunteering and fundraising activities before the fashion competition in Beijing at the end of the trip.

Miss Austin said she was excited for her trip but was daunted at the prospect of being away from home for four weeks, when the longest she has ever been away from home is just two weeks.

She said: “I had told my manager that I would love to go to China, so when the opportunity came up I jumped at the chance. It is an all-expenses paid trip, and I have some sponsorship from Body Talk Ladies Gym and Pure and Pose eyelashes.

“I have never been to either of the countries before so it will be a real adventure. I will be going with other girls from around the world, but there won’t be anyone I have met before. It will be a great experience for me though and I hope I do everyone proud.”

Miss Austin, who lives with her parents and brother, is also competing in Miss Great Britain this weekend, and in the Supermodel England final on November 12 – the day before she flies to the Far East.

She has raised more than £1,500 for so far for her three chosen charities of the year, Candlelighters fighting children’s cancer; Together for Short Lives; and Zoe’s Place children’s hospice. She hopes to exceed £2,000 for the year.

The Miss North Yorkshire competition has raised over £6,500 for local charities since 2015. The 2017 competition will be held on April 22 at the Downe Arms Hotel, Wykeham. Applications are now open. For more information visit www.missnorthyorkshire.co.uk.